Philippines Bans Gambling Ads Amid Addiction Concerns

Crackdown follows a surge in online betting and growing public anxiety.

Philippine authorities are cracking down on gambling advertisements, ordering their removal by August 15th due to worries about rising addiction rates, particularly among young people.

Advertising Ban Details

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) has mandated that all licensees, suppliers, and gaming operators take down their gambling advertisements. This includes materials displayed on public transportation.

“Regulating excessive and pervasive gambling advertisements is a critical step in protecting vulnerable sectors of society, especially the youth,” said Pagcor chairman Alejandro Tengco.

While Pagcor is tasked with generating state revenue, Tengco added, “we do not want to encourage a culture of gambling addiction.”

Online Gaming Under Scrutiny

This action occurs as the gaming industry faces increased scrutiny, particularly because of the rapid expansion of online gambling. Critics are concerned that this boom could lead to societal problems. For instance, GamCare, a UK-based organization, reported a 29% increase in calls to their National Gambling Helpline in 2023, highlighting growing concerns about online gambling addiction (BeGambleAware.org).

Legislative and Financial Responses

Calls to regulate online gaming have increased within the Philippine Congress, with some lawmakers pushing for tighter controls. Additionally, the central bank is exploring potential limits on accessing gaming platforms through digital channels.

Context

The Philippines is Asia’s second-largest gambling hub, following Macau. In 2025, revenue from online gaming exceeded that of integrated resort casinos for the first time. In nearby Thailand, the government withdrew a Bill that would have legalized casinos after encountering strong public opposition.